Bid to woo midwives back

Feb 26 2008 by Audrey Barton, The Journal

HEALTH Secretary Alan Johnson used a visit to the North to yesterday announce plans to entice former midwives back to the profession.

Mr Johnson met staff at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary as he announced that another 4,000 midwives would be recruited to the NHS by 2012 after repeated warnings of shortages.

He heralded a “revolution” in working patterns within the NHS and outlined his intention to give former midwives golden hellos worth up to £3,000 to help them return to work after a break in service.

The North East was ranked among the best in the country in the recent report by the Healthcare Commission with Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust coming second in England.

Mr Johnson said the rest of the country could learn from the team-working, mentality and choice for mothers in Newcastle.

He said: “It is the dedicated staff who are experienced and absolutely fantastic on giving a holistic service to potential mothers.

“It’s not just about looking after their health needs. They have nursery nurses here and people in Sure Start and social services.”